South of Midnight is a captivating third-person action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Set in a fantastical rendition of the American Deep South, the game follows Hazel Flood, a young woman on a quest to find her mother after a devastating hurricane. Along her journey, Hazel discovers she is a Weaver—a magical mender of broken bonds and spirits—tasked with confronting mythical creatures drawn from Southern folklore, such as Two-Toed Tom and Huggin’ Molly.
The game stands out with its unique art style inspired by stop-motion animation, creating a visually distinct and immersive world. The environments are richly detailed, reflecting the cultural and atmospheric essence of the Deep South. Complementing the visuals is a soundtrack that blends blues, country, and gospel influences, enhancing the overall experience.
While the narrative delves into themes of grief, loss, and hope, offering emotionally resonant moments, some critiques have been directed at the gameplay mechanics. The combat system has been noted as repetitive, and certain platforming elements are seen as simplistic. Despite these shortcomings, the game’s storytelling, cultural depth, and artistic presentation have garnered praise.
South of Midnight is available starting April 8, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X/S. Players who pre-ordered the premium edition gained early access on April 3. The game is also accessible through Xbox Game Pass for subscribers of the Ultimate and PC tiers.
For a visual glimpse into Hazel’s journey, you can watch the official launch trailer below: